Terrifying moment plane is hit by lightning in mid-air

Terrifying moment plane is hit by lightning in mid-air

The Boeing 747 had left Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport as rain lashed down from ominous grey skies on January 2.

As it climbed while heading for destination Sochi, a powerful bolt of lightning ripped down from the sky – hitting the plane's carriage.

Storm chaser Julia Musina, whose friend recorded the dramatic moment and gave it to her, said: ''It's pretty scary to see this from the ground. The people on the plane must have been really nervous if they noticed what had happened.

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BOLT: The plane was hit in mid-air as it took off from Moscow

“The people on the plane must have been really nervous if they noticed what had happened”

Storm chaser Julia Musina

''The plane just carried on like nothing had affected it. It's not nice for nervous flyers, though. Take off is the scariest time.

''My friend recorded this and gave it to me to share. We follow the dramatic weather.''

The plane landed at Sochi International Airport where ground staff checked the aircraft for damage.

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An airport spokesman said the pilots had both been interviewed and the vehicle was sent for a technical inspection.

They added: "On arrival at the destination airport at the post-flight inspection found traces of destruction of atmospheric electricity discharge.''